UKWIR invites expressions of interest in new research proposals

UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) is seeking expressions of interest from expert partners or consortiums in 21 proposed research projects including bids to achieve zero uncontrolled discharges and zero leakage by 2050.

The projects seek to address the industry's “key challenges, identified through extensive consultation” which fall under eight of UKWIR’s 11 “Big Questions” for the water sector to be answered by 2050. Other topics include delivering sustainable wastewater services, achieving zero customers in water poverty and zero interruptions to supply.

The not-for-profit organisation invitation for expressions of interest will remain open until 1 October 2023.

The full list of topics and the associated Big Question number is:

• How do we halve freshwater abstraction in a sustainablecway (1)?

• How will we achieve zero leakage in a sustainable way (2)?

• How do we achieve zero interruptions to water supply (3)?

• How do we achieve 100% compliance with drinking water standards at point of use (4)?

• How will we deliver an environmentally sustainable wastewater service that meets customer and regulator expectations (5)?

• How do we achieve zero uncontrolled discharges from sewers (6)?

• How to continue creating positive value through asset management decision making ( no deadline, 8)?

• How do we maximise recovery of useful resources and achieve zero waste by 2050 (11)?

“Our projects are informed by the input of water companies, academia, and other stakeholders. This ensures that the research is relevant to the needs of the industry and that the results can be effectively implemented,” said UKWIR chief executive, Steve Kaye.

Detailed information about each project, and the means to register interest for a project are available HERE.